More than 19,000 people in Ba and surrounding areas can expect an improved health care system in the coming years as construction works on the new Ba hospital is expected to start in January next year.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the government and the Ba Chamber of Commerce yesterday.

The Ba Mission hospital was built 87 years ago and according to the Prime Minister, the building is beyond repair.

Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the building has started to show signs of its age and stressed that they are not interested in a “band aid solution” and it is time to move forward to a new approach.

Commodore Bainimarama said the project is expected to cost more than $23 million.

He added the government will fund the first phase of the project by providing an allocation of $7.3 million next year.

The plans are expected to be finalized in the coming months and according to the Prime Minister, he has asked government officials to fast track the process.

He stressed that under the new constitution every Fijian has the right to health.

The new hospital will be located at Clopcott street.


Story by: Praneeta Prakash